Manager Ozzie Guillen said there’s no date yet for when Anibal Sanchez will make his first Grapefruit League start.

But pitching coach Randy St. Claire said Sanchez could make his debut Wednesday in Port Charlotte against the Rays.
That will depend on how he feels after the next few days. Sanchez is scheduled to throw off the mound tomorrow in Jupiter.

If that goes well, he will rest a day then face hitters in live batting practice. If that goes well, he will rest two days and start Wednesday, St. Claire said.

Sanchez experienced tenderness in his right shoulder at the end of a bullpen session last Friday, but Guillen said today he’s not worried about Sanchez’s readiness for the season.

It’s still early in spring training, so there’s no need to rush Sanchez out for an exhibition game, Guillen said.

“He feels a lot better. He says he’ll be ready to pitch when he has to pitch. Exactly when, I don’t know,” Guillen said today in Port St. Lucie.

“He told me he feels ready to pitch but we’re going to give him (time) to make sure he’s 100 percent…

“He’s going to be our fourth or fifth starter. We’re not going to worry,” Guillen said.

“I’m not going to put a guy out there just because we need to see him pitch. When he’s ready to pitch, we’ll pitch him. I don’t think it’s a big deal but it could be a big deal if we don’t handle him the right way.”

Carlos Zambrano will make his first start today for the Marlins, facing the Mets. Zambrano will be the fourth or fifth starter.

Lefty Wade LeBlanc, who’s battling for a long spot out of the bullpen, starts Friday night in Jupiter against Washington. Stephen Strasburg goes for the Nationals.

Josh Johnson makes his second Grapefruit League start on Saturday in Jupiter against the Cardinals.

Lefty Mark Buehrle goes Sunday in Port St. Lucie against the Mets.

“Were going to try to keep those arms fresh for the long season,” Guillen said.